3rd Edition Newsletter- (September 6th)

D’s Spiritual Guidance Newsletter-4th Edition
-a weekly publication (published Saturdays)


Intro

They say the third time’s the charm. Whether or not that’s true, this is the third week in a row I’ve published this newsletter, and so far I think it’s been worth it. Although I still have a long way to go to fulfilling one of my goals of becoming a youth minister, this occupies my time well enough. I hope for the best in the weeks to come for us all, and for all of you returning to school… well, good luck and may God give you strength. Now, where to begin?

-D


Words of Wisdom

“Creativity can be described as letting go of certainties.”
-Gail Sheehy

“Colors fade, temples crumble, empires fall, but wise words endure.”
-Edward Thornduke

“Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
-Jesus, Matthew 11:28


Passage

1 John 4:18: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.


Sermon

Your first impression of this week’s passage might be that it’s redundant, and in truth, it sort of is. But nonetheless, it carries a great meaning. But to begin with its general definition, let’s first talk about fear. When used in religion, people most often gravitate towards the concept of the so-called “Fear of God”. Although usage of this varies, it appears to outsiders of the Faith as none-too-pleasant a thing to envision. People take in this expression and dismiss the thought of living in fear of God, because in their own mind, why would anyone want to do that? But the core of this phrase’s meaning is not based on a terror of God, as in “I’m afraid of God because I think he’s out to get me.” God is out to get no one. He is out to save everyone. No, this phrase bears a different meaning.

As text changes over time, so does meaning. People who interpret religious texts tend to either paraphrase or revise statements in attempts of making it more directed towards current means. For instance, how you read something is a huge part of this. Different versions of the Bible itself, from the popular New King James (of which I personally use) to older, separately stylized writings. Oftentimes, it’s a matter of expelling some of the misconceptions about the Word. But going back to this concept of the “Fear of God”, perhaps it doesn’t connate the same meaning to us now as it did then. By “Fear” in this case, it is implied by many professionals of religious nature, it is referring to the respect of God. How it is put is the matter that seems to put many off the track of what is truly meant by these words. In the Bible verse, although I cannot recall the exact Bible version it originated from, it speaks of fear in the way we most commonly recognize it- the waiting terror of something, whether temporal or greater than just that. As it says, fear is punishment- it is in its own rights this way because it is irrational. It detracts from what you were meant to do and who you were meant to be. But now, let’s focus on to the rest of the passage.

Now, to the part that really strikes the importance of this verse: the aspect of love. “Love casts out fear.” What this may mean to you may be reflected by your life and choices, but its meaning is still the same. Where there is love, nobody is truly afraid. There is a saying somewhere that goes like this, “Fear, when shared, is lessened,” or to some effect, that. What this speaks of is true. But to look beyond this a little, let’s consider the greatest love of all, the Love of God. At times a cliché, although very true, the saying, “Jesus loves you” is no dogmatic phrase. It speaks in simplest terms of the love of God manifest- Jesus. Jesus Christ, crucified on the cross for the sins of the world, finally become a martyr and a savior. It is difficult when people totally disavow such claims of God and Christ, but to them it is a sad state of affairs not to let the love of God into their lives. God loves all, but sometimes it seems, all hate him at some time or the other. They blame him, disgrace him, use his name in vain and turn their backs to him when all goes wrong. But therein lies that love- in struggle, the love of God is more prevalent. When all is well, is there any need of aid? Be watchful of what God does in your life and how He shows his love for us as a heavenly father and earthly savior. And most of all, remember the love in your life, and fear not God, but love and recognize him as the one companion that goes with you wherever you are.


Amen.



Sidenotes

So, now as a quick lesson for this week, I’d like to talk mainly about something that very well affects you in your relationship with God, no matter where you are on life’s path. You will constantly hear religious talk of prayer. Prayer, talking to God on any level, whether mental or verbal, public or private, is a direct connection with God. But to some, it seems it’s a little too indirect. People oftentimes think, “Why would I want to talk to God?” or even “Why would God want to listen to what I have to say? There are plenty of more important things for him to do.” This is not always true. Sure, asking God for a meatloaf for dinner tonight might seem a little trivial, but it’s still speaking to Him. And although many people think they cannot approach God, any concern is as important to him as the next, and any person the same way. Oftentimes, the expression “holier-than-thou” comes to mind. To this expression, I always wonder what exactly that means and why would someone say this? No one is holier than anybody else, except for God himself. Take for example the Pope. No disrespect, as the position of the man is one of great wisdom, intelligence and piety in serving God, but it leads many to think that say, only the Pope or only someone higher in the ranks of a church can talk to God. And in some cases, many are lead to think that they are valued more in the sight of God. Not true, not true at all. Say you go to church- you sit in the middle of the pews, perhaps praying along with the priest or pastor at the pulpit. You both pray to the same God and neither of you are greater in his sight. In the eyes of the Lord, all are actually created equal. So, the next time you consider talking to God, feel not afraid to do so. You are never too old or too young or too wise or too simple to talk with God. Why not start right now?


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